Bleed Blue: A Thrilling Journey Through Boise State Football History
The excitement is building as Boise State Broncos fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2024 football season on August 31st. With the team set to kick off another thrilling campaign, it's the perfect time to dive into the rich history that has made Boise State football a force to be reckoned with. This blog article is your ultimate guide to getting pumped up for the season by taking a look back at the iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that have shaped Boise State into the powerhouse it is today. Let's relive the journey that has brought us to this moment, and get ready to cheer on the Broncos as they aim for another championship run!
Early Years: Junior College Success (1933-1967)
1933: Boise Junior College (BJC) was founded, and football began shortly after. The team played its first game in 1933, establishing the foundation of the program.
1946-1967: The team enjoyed success as a junior college program, winning several championships. BJC won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championship in 1958 and again in 1965.
Transition to Four-Year College (1968-1977)
1968: Boise Junior College became Boise College, transitioning to a four-year institution. This change allowed the football team to begin competing at the four-year college level.
1970: Boise College became Boise State College, and the football program joined the NCAA as a Division II team.
1971-1972: Boise State enjoyed early success, including a 10-2 season in 1971 and a 9-2 season in 1972, winning the Big Sky Conference titles both years.
1974: Boise State moved up to NCAA Division I (now FCS) and continued to compete in the Big Sky Conference.
Rise to National Prominence (1978-1999)
1978: Boise State College became Boise State University (BSU).
1980: BSU won its first NCAA Division I-AA national championship by defeating Eastern Kentucky 31-29. This victory cemented Boise State's reputation as a rising football program.
1996: BSU moved up to NCAA Division I-A (now FBS) and joined the Big West Conference. The program struggled initially but soon found success under head coach Dirk Koetter.
The Era of Dominance (2000-Present)
2000: Boise State joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and began its rise to national prominence. Under head coach Dan Hawkins (2001-2005) and later Chris Petersen (2006-2013), BSU became a dominant force in college football.
2006: Boise State went undefeated and won the Fiesta Bowl in dramatic fashion, defeating Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime. The game is considered one of the greatest in college football history, highlighted by the famous "Statue of Liberty" play.
2009: BSU had another undefeated season and won its second Fiesta Bowl, defeating TCU 17-10.
2011: Boise State moved to the Mountain West Conference (MWC) and continued to excel, winning multiple conference championships.
2014: Under head coach Bryan Harsin, BSU won its third Fiesta Bowl, defeating Arizona 38-30.
2014-Present: Boise State has maintained its reputation as a strong program within the MWC, consistently competing for conference championships and bowl game appearances.
Legacy and Impact
Boise State's football program is known for its innovative and exciting style of play, symbolized by its iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium, often called "The Blue." The program has produced numerous NFL players and has been a model for how a smaller school can achieve national success in college football.
As the Broncos gear up for another season, it's time to remember the history that has made Boise State a team to watch. Get ready to bleed blue and orange once again!
